Nepal Forms Judicial Panel to Probe 72 Deaths in Youth Protests

Nepal's interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has formed a three-member judicial commission, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, to investigate the deaths of more than 70 people during recent youth-led protests against corruption and social media restrictions. The commission is tasked with examining the violence, including the police firing on protesters, as well as extensive property damage caused during the unrest. The protests began peacefully on September 8 but escalated into deadly clashes, with at least 72 fatalities reported, including three policemen. Former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, who was ousted following the protests, denied ordering security forces to shoot at demonstrators and attributed the violence to "infiltrators" inciting unrest; he supports an investigation into the events. Demonstrators have demanded accountability from Oli and former officials, linking them to the crackdown that sparked widespread outrage and the eventual fall of Oli's government. The commission is expected to deliver its report within three months, aiming to address public demands for justice and restore stability ahead of upcoming elections.